The exact origins of cheese are shrouded in legend, but ancient artifacts in several countries point to cheese-making dating as far back as 7,000 years. One legend says cheese was first made in the Middle East, discovered by accident by an Arab merchant who traveled across the desert carrying milk in a pouch made from a sheep’s stomach. The environment caused the milk to separate and curdle, resulting in the first cheese curds. Today, cheese is one of the most popular foods in the world, and American cheese production leads the world. Even though the United States manufactures the most cheese in the world, our country doesn’t rank in the top 10 in per-capita consumption. However, given our size, we consume the most cheese as a nation. Did You Know? The leading state in the U.S. for cheese production is Wisconsin.
Cheese Tastes Differ Around the World
While in Italy, Parmigiano-Reggiano reigns supreme, and in France, Camembert cheese is in demand – America doesn’t have a cheese variety that we developed. Because we are a nation of immigrants, we have enjoyed cheese inspired influence from all over Europe and the world. The British colonial influence was primary, with the first cheese made in the U.S. being Cheddar. Swiss immigrants introduced traditional Emmentaler and later brought in other Swiss-style cheeses, as did the Germans, Italians, and other Europeans. In the Southwest, Hispanic-style cheeses that originated with the Spanish colonists and the indigenous population evolved. Rather than remaining true to original European recipes, cheeses like queso blanco are unique concoctions. According to the International Dairy Foods Association, Americans consume more Italian-style cheeses than any other, due in large part to our love of pizza. American-style cheeses like cheddar follow behind mozzarella and ricotta and are the clear favorite of Americans when pizza is not involved. As U.S. demographics shift, Swiss cheese consumption is dropping off, while Hispanic cheese consumption continues to rise.
How Many Types of Cheese Are There?
It is difficult to identify an exact number of cheese varieties, as the number can vary depending on the classification system used. In other words, how do we define a “type” of cheese with so many varieties and hybrids? Still, experts estimate there to be over 1,800 different types of cheese worldwide. Cheeses can be classified based on a variety of characteristics, including:
Texture (soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, or hard)
Region or Country of Origin
Milk Source (cow, goat, sheep, buffalo, or other animals)
Method of production (raw milk, pasteurized, aged, or fresh)
The 9 most popular cheese types purchased in America include:
cheddar
mozzarella
brie
feta
gouda
camembert
blue cheese
parmesan
Swiss
Because each of these types of cheese has its own unique flavor and texture, cheese is utilized in a wide variety of culinary applications, from appetizers to savory dishes and desserts. There are also many lesser-known regional and artisanal varieties of cheese found throughout the world.
Cheese Production in America
As Americans seek more natural and unprocessed cheese, experts expect the industry to slowly evolve. However, the consumption of traditional cheese is not slowing in any way. America produces the most cheese in the world (over 11 billion pounds annually), more than double the next closest country, Germany (5 billion pounds annually). If you are a dairy processing facility, remaining competitive in a crowded market is essential. One way to maximize profits is to purchase high-quality equipment at affordable cost. At Zwirner Equipment, we pride ourselves on offering reconditioned and refabricated dairy equipment that can offer all the functionality you need – if you produce cheese, milk or ice cream, call us today or browse our inventory.
